In case it wasn’t obvious, I am a caffeine addict (since I’ve given up on everything else). And lately, I’ve also become a salt junkie. Not just any kind of salt, however, but pink Himalayan salt. Sounds fancy, right? Well, it is. And we’re not talking little, boring white grains of supposed sea salt. Think giant 70-pound gleaming rocks of 250 million-year-old salt that has made its way through a historical and cultural web to my back stoop; Great Barrington.

HimalaSalt, founded by dynamo and natural foods extraordinaire Melissa Kushi (or the Salt Lady as my kids refer to her), is a foodie’s wet dream. The store/warehouse is a treasure trove of gorgeous, pink salt blocks and rare and pungent peppers from India, Brazil and beyond. To say that the store is unique would be an understatement. Just stepping foot into HimalaSalt is an experience; maybe it’s the neutralizing effect of the salt on any bad energy (or grumpy writer) that finds its way into the space.

Most of the product line, excluding the pepper and some cooking accoutrement, is comprised of the pink salt that is mined from deep within the Himalayas. HimalaSalt has made use of this extraordinary mineral by transforming it into more than just a food additive. Thick pink cups (particularly good for serving sorbet and margaritas), hefty 4”x 8” sushi platters and polished massage stones are just a few of the products indigenous to HimalaSalt. Not to mention detoxifying bath salts infused with lavender and other oils and herbs and giant salt “urns,” and attractive gift packages containing salt and pepper combinations for novice and discerning cooks.

Gift set for any taste and price range are available at HimalaSalt.

I know what you’re thinking; you saw the word “mined” and are wondering if this is an ethical product. Well, rest assured, HimalaSalt not only sources the salt from non-blasting, fair trade miners (Kushi is also founder of Sustainable Sourcing LLC), but the company also takes pains to compensate for its carbon footprint by using only post-consumer boxes and other enviro-friendly packaging in its shipping.

And, better yet, you won’t have to request a single box if you go to HimalaSalt this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a major blowout sale. In addition to the amazing, attractive product Kushi will be providing cooking demonstrations on her famed salt plates (i.e. free food and great kitchen ideas). HimalaSalt is located behind the old Searles school. For more information visit www.himalasalt.com. Also, check out the cooking demos on YouTube.